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Abstract:

A cylinder lock comprising a cylinder housing (2), a cylinder core (4)
having a key channel (5) arranged in the cylinder housing (2), at least
one side bar (6, 7) arranged between the cylinder housing (2) and the
cylinder core (4) and a plurality of side pins (20) arranged on at least
one side of the key channel (5) and arranged to be lifted by insertion of
a key (8) and in cooperation with the side bar (6, 7) allow or prevent
relative rotation of the cylinder housing (2) and the cylinder core (4),
wherein each side pin (20) comprises a foot (26, 29) adapted to be lifted
by means of a code groove (10) in the side surface (12) of the key. The
cylinder lock is characterized in that the foot (26) of at least one of
the side pins (20) is tapered. A key (8) for the cylinder lock having a
groove for side pins having tapered foot is also described.

Claims:

1. A cylinder lock comprising a cylinder housing, a cylinder core having
a key channel arranged in the cylinder housing, at least one side bar
arranged between the cylinder housing and the cylinder core and a
plurality of side pins positioned on at least one side of the key channel
and arranged to be lifted by insertion of a key and in cooperation with
the side bar allow or prevent relative rotation of the cylinder housing
and the cylinder core, wherein each side pin comprises a foot adapted to
be lifted by means of a code groove in the side surface of the key
characterized in that the foot of at least one of the side pins is
tapered.

2. A cylinder lock according to claim 1, wherein the tapered foot is
conical.

3. A cylinder kick according to claim 2, wherein the conical foot is
formed as a truncated cone pointing downwards.

4. A cylinder lock according to claim 1, wherein the foot of at least one
of the side pins is mounted by means of a bearing to the side pin.

5. A cylinder lock according to claim 1, wherein the tapering of the
tapered foot provides an angle in relation to the longitudinal direction
of the side pin of between 40 and 80 degrees.

6. A cylinder lock according to claim 1, wherein at least one further
side pin is provided with a tapered foot in accordance with the foot of
the at least one side pin.

7. A cylinder lock according to claim 6; wherein all of the side pins are
provided with a tapered foot.

8. A cylinder lock according to claim 1, where the side pin is rotatably
arranged in the cylinder core.

9. A cylinder lock according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of side
pins positioned on the other side of the key channel.

10. A key for a cylinder lock provided with side pins, comprising at
least one code groove in at least one side surface of the key being
adapted to lift side pins on at least one side of the key channel of the
cylinder lock characterized in that the code groove is provided with a
cross section having a first side surface, which side surface extends
from the side surface of the key towards a bottom of the code groove,
which side surface has an inclination adapted for a tapered Side pin, so
that the first side surface of the cross section of the code groove is
non-perpendicular to the side surface of the key.

11. A key according to claim 10, wherein the first side surface of the
code groove has an angle of between 40 and 80 degrees.

12. A key according to claim 11, wherein the cross section of the code
groove comprises a second side surface extending from the side surface of
the key to the bottom of the groove, wherein the second side surface of
the cross section of the code groove is essentially perpendicular in
relation to the side surface.

13. A key according to claim 10, wherein the code groove forms a
meandering pattern from the front edge of the key, and which pattern is
adapted to move the side pins of the cylinder lock upwards and downwards
to different code levels when the key is inserted into the lock.

14. A lock assembly comprising a cylinder lock according to claim 1 and
at least one key for the cylinder lock, wherein the key comprises at
least one code groove in at least one side surface of the key
characterized in that the code groove has a cross section haying a first
side surface with an inclination adapted for a tapered foot of a side in
of the cylinder lock.

15. A cylinder lock according to claim 5, wherein the angle is between 50
and 70 degrees.

16. A cylinder lock according to claim 15, wherein the angle is
approximately 60 degrees.

17. A key according to claim 11, wherein the-angle is between 50 and 70
degrees.

18. A key according to claim 17, wherein the angle is approximately 60
degrees.

Description:

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a cylinder lock comprising side pins and a
side bar arranged between the cylinder core and the cylinder house, and
to keys for such cylinder locks.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

[0002] The invention relates to cylinder locks having side pins and side
bar. Normally, this type of cylinder locks comprises a cylinder core and
a cylinder housing, having the cylinder core arranged inside the cylinder
housing and a side bar arranged in a space between the cylinder housing
and the cylinder core. In a locked state, the side bar or
blocking/latching bar is engaging and interfering with the cylinder
housing and cylinder core and thereby prevents rotational movement of
these in relation to each other. When the side pins are lifted by means
of a key (code carrier) to a correct level by means of a groove in the
side surface of the key, the side bar can be moved from engagement with
the cylinder housing, and be pushed into the cylinder core and leave its
locking position between the core and housing of the cylinder lock and
thereby allow rotation of the cylinder core inside the cylinder housing
so that the lock is opened. Such a lock is described in the Swedish
patent document SE469565.

[0003] A combination of cylinder lock and key is shown in the Swedish
patent SE-469565 (see figures) wherein the key (4) is provided with a
groove in each of its side surfaces for engaging with code pins (5)
arranged at opposite sides of the key-way (3a) of the cylinder core. The
groove run along the side surfaces of the key and varies in elevation and
when the key is inserted into the lock the pins are forced vertically,
perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the key, upwards and
downwards inside the cylinder core. The pins are essentially cylindrical
and show narrower middle portions for receiving a blocking rod (6) when
they are positioned in the correct code level lifted by the key.
Depending on such factors as the number of code pins, the length of the
key and height there are physical limits for the number of code
possibilities. Even if the height of the key is large, the possibility to
employ this height is limited. This is due to the resistance created when
the code pins are pushed upwards and downwards by the groove of the key
which becomes large for a large rise. For the same reason the variation
in code level between two adjacent code pins is limited. A rise that is
approximately 45 degrees at maximum creates very little resistance. Also
the space available for the code pins in the cylinder core limits the
maximal movement of the code pins and thereby the space available for
coding levels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An aim of the invention is to provide a cylinder lock having more
possibilities for coding. This is achieved through an improved use of the
dimensions of the cylinder lock, so that the available space of the lock
and of the key is employed to a larger extent.

[0005] The invention provides a cylinder lock comprising a cylinder
housing provided with a key channel, or key-way, arranged in the cylinder
housing, at least one latching bar arranged between the cylinder housing
and the cylinder core and a plurality of side pins arranged on at least
one side of the key channel and arranged to be lifted by an inserted key
and in cooperation with the blocking bar allow or prevent relative
rotation of the cylinder housing and the cylinder core. Each side pin is
further provided with a foot adapted to be lifted by a groove in the side
surface of the key. The foot of at least one of the side pins is tapered.
In this way, enhanced coding possibilities are provided by means of
making it possible to prolong the stroke of the coding pins in the
cylinder core. Moreover, the inclination rise, or climbing, of the code
pin along the key is facilitated. In this way, the variation in code
level for a given distance along the key, such as the distance between
two code pins, can be increased and thereby also the total number of code
levels available along the key length.

[0006] The foot of the code pin is preferably tapered in a direction from
the key channel towards the cylinder housing. The foot is preferably also
tapered towards the key, i.e. from the cylinder house towards the key
channel. Preferably the foot is tapered in both these directions.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment the tapered foot is conical. In this
case, the foot comprises a tapering both against the key and the cylinder
housing. This also facilitates rotation of the code pin, so that the foot
can "roll" along the key when the key is inserted in through the key
channel, and this rotation decrease the friction and thereby also the
wear.

[0008] In an embodiment, the conical foot is formed as a truncated cone
pointing downwards.

[0009] In an embodiment, the foot of at least one of the side pins is
mounted to the side pin in a bearing. Preferably, every foot of every
side pin is mounted by means of a bearing in this embodiment.

[0010] In an embodiment, the tapering of the tapered foot is designed so
that it provides an angle of between 10 and 50 degrees, preferably
between 20 and 40 degrees, preferably approximately 30 degrees, in
relation to the longitudinal direction of the key when the key is
inserted into the key channel.

[0011] In an embodiment, the tapered foot is designed so that it provides
an angle of between 40 and 80 degrees, preferably between 50 and 70
degrees, preferably approximately 60 degrees in relation to the
longitudinal direction of the side pin the longitudinal direction of the
side pin.

[0012] In an embodiment, at least one further side pin is provided with a
tapered foot in accordance with the foot of the at least one side pin,
and preferably all side pins are provided with a tapered foot, formed in
essentially the same way. At least all side pins present on the same side
of the key channel and which during use cooperates with the same side
surface of the key of the lock.

[0013] In an embodiment, the side pin, preferably all of the side pins, is
rotatably arranged (mounted in a bearing) in the cylinder core.

[0014] The invention also provides a key having at least one code groove
for side pins of a cylinder lock, which code groove varies in elevation
along the side of the key. The code groove forms a channel with two
sides, and preferably also a base or bottom. Alternatively, there is no
bottom and the sides of the channel meet each other and forms, in a cross
section of the channel, two sides of a triangle wherein the third side is
provided by the open groove in the side surface of the key. The key is
characterized in that one of the side surfaces of the code groove is
leaning, in a cross section of the code groove, so that it is adapted for
cooperation with a tapered foot of a side pin. Preferably the lower
surface of the groove, which is arranged for lifting the side pins of the
cylinder lock, i.e. the lower surface in relation to the key.

[0015] The inclined surface separates the key from previous keys where the
channel in the side of the key is provided with side surfaces that are
perpendicular in relation to the side surface of the key and where the
bottom of the channel, in the cross section of the channel, is
perpendicular in relation to the sides of the channel and also parallel
with the side of the key. The key, according to the invention, is
provided with a channel with an inclined side surface. This inclined side
surface of the channel is preferably the side that is directed towards
the back, or lower side, of the key. In the embodiment wherein the
channel comprises a bottom, the bottom is preferably flat and, in the
cross section of the channel, is preferably parallel to the side surface
of the key. The upper channel side of code groove forms a straight angle
in relation to the key side, in the cross section of the channel, and
also in relation to a possible bottom of the channel.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the key, the first inclined side
surface of the code groove is inclined between 40 and 80 degrees,
preferably between 50 and 70 degrees, preferably approximately 60 degrees
in relation to the side surface of the key and the height direction of
the key.

[0017] Preferably therefore the code groove also comprises a second side
surface that extend from the side surface of the key to the bottom of the
groove, wherein the second side surface of the cross section of the code
groove is essentially perpendicular in relation to the side surface of
the key.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment the code groove of the key forms a
meandering pattern running from the front edge of the key, and which
pattern is adapted to move the side pins of the cylinder lock upwards and
downwards to different code levels when the key is inserted in the lock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention will now be described further in embodiments with
reference to the figures wherein details of the design are illustrated to
facilitate the invention being carried out.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a side pin according to the prior art and a side pin
according to the invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a key with a side groove.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section of a cylinder lock through a
cylinder house, cylinder core, side pin and key.

[0024]FIG. 5 illustrates a side groove in a key in accordance with the
invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0025] A first embodiment of a cylinder lock is illustrated in FIG. 1,
which cylinder lock comprises a cylinder housing 2, a cylinder core 4
provided with a cylinder profile (key-way) or key channel 5, a plurality
of side pins 20 and two side bars 6, 7 arranged on opposite sides of the
key channel 5. The side bars 6, 7 are further arranged in recesses 15, 16
in the cylinder core 4 as well as in the cylinder housing 2 for baring or
blocking their relative movement when the lock is locked, and the side
bars 6, 7 are arranged to be pushed into the cylinder core 4, when the
lock is being unlocked, out of engagement with the side bar recess 15 in
the cylinder housing 2 so that the cylinder core 4 can rotate in relation
to the cylinder housing. When the key is rotated, the side bars 6, 7 are
pushed out from the respective side bar recess 15 in the direction
towards the cylinder core. With the correct key, the side pins are lifted
to correct code level and allows the movement side bars 6, 7 into the
side bar recess 16 of the cylinder core. Using the wrong key, the side
pins blocks the movement of the side bar.

[0026]FIG. 1 also shows a key 8 or code carrier intended for being
inserted into the key channel 5 and being provided with a code groove 10
in its two side surfaces 12. Each side surface 12 is provided with a code
groove 10, and it is preferred that keys according to the invention are
provided with only one code groove per side 12. When the key is inserted
into the cylinder core 4, the side surfaces 12 with the code grooves 10
face away from opposite sides of the channel 5. Each code groove 10
extends from the front edge of the key, which front edge meets the side
pins first during insertion, and along the key in a pattern that varies
in height elevation. Each code groove forms height levels, so called code
levels, along the key. These side oriented code grooves 10 are formed to
in engagement cooperate with code pins, or side pins, 20 positioned in
the cylinder core 4 on opposite sides of the key channel 5, and move the
side-positioned code pins 20 in height when the key 8 is inserted through
the key slot and the key channel 5. When the side pins 20 are lifted to
correct height level, the side pins allow that the side bars 6, 7 are
pushed into the cylinder core 4 and thereby out of engagement with the
recess 15 and the cylinder housing 2 so that the cylinder core 4 can
rotate inside the cylinder housing 2. Each side bar 6, 7 is biased or
pre-stressed away from the cylinder core 4 in a direction towards the
cylinder housing 2 and the recess 15. The bias is provided by means of
biasing device 18, 19 comprising a spring 18 and a piston 19.

[0027] The key can also be provided with an indentation in the form of bit
of key or bittings for divided locking pins positioned above the key
channel.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates two side pins 20, 21. Each one of the side pins
20, 21 comprises a body 23 formed to cooperate with a side bar. For this
purpose the body 23 is provided with at least one waist 22 which allow
movement of the side bar 6, 7 in the direction towards the side pin 20,
out of engagement with the cylinder housing, and also on another level
provided with at least one portion that prevents movement of the side bar
and thereby keeps the side bar 6, 7 in engagement with the cylinder
housing 2. The body in the figure also comprises false grooves 25 that
are provided for making picking of the lock more difficult, which false
grooves prevent rotation of the side bar. Thus, the body 23 show two
different surfaces for cooperating with the side bar, open surfaces 22,
which allow movement of the side bar 6, 7 into the core 4, and also
closed surfaces 24, 25 that prevent movement of the side bar 6, 7 into
the core. The side pins 20, 21 also comprise a respective foot 26, 29.
The foot 26, 29 is intended and adapted for lifting, when engaging a key
inserted in the key channel, the side pin so that one portion, such as
the waist or a preventing portion of the side pin arrives at the level of
the side bar. The side pin 21 to the right in FIG. 2B is provided with a,
as such previously known, foot 29 that has an essentially cylindrical
shape. The left side pin 21, of FIG. 2A, is provided med a foot 26 that
is tapered. The foot 26 has a cylindrical portion 27 and a conical
portion 28. The conical portion 28 has the shape of a truncated cone,
pointing downwards. The conical shape 28 of the foot presents a thinner
outer edge, but still provides sufficient strength having increasing
thickness inwards towards the pin. The tapering of the conical portion 28
of FIG. 2A forms an angle of approximately 60 degrees in relation to the
longitudinal direction of the pin 20.

[0029] FIGS. 3A and 3b illustrate two keys having code grooves 10a and
10b, respectively, provided in each side surface of each respective key.
The code grooves 10a, 10b forms a pattern that varies in height level
along the side surface of the key. The key of FIG. 3A is provided with a
code groove 10a that is formed for side pins having a cylindrical foot
portion. The code groove 10a is shaped with straight sides and a flat
bottom in side surface 12a, and presents a rectangular cross section. The
key of FIG. 3B comprises a code groove 10b formed for a side pin having a
tapered foot portion, especially conical foot portions. In such side
grooves 10b, one side is straight, while the other is inclined at an
angle (11 in FIG. 5) and the bottom is straight. The inclination of the
grooves 10a, 10b is approximately 45 degrees. Having a conical lower part
on the foot of each respective side pin, the uprising and descending,
towards a higher, and lower, respectively, code level will start earlier,
so that the height difference between two successive code levels in
groove 10b can be made larger than in groove 10a. In this way a greater
variation of code levels is provided along the key in a cylinder lock
comprising side pins having tapered foot portions and keys adapted for
the tapered foot portion. Thus the, so called, MACS of the key ("Maximum
Adjacent Cut Specification") becomes larger. The figure illustrates an
example where the key 12a, which is adapted for side pins having
cylindrical foot, provides a rise between two side pins of 1.69 mm. The
Key 12b, for the tapered foot, are of the same size as the key 12a, but
the rise between two side pins may be as large as 2.0 mm. Having a code
level difference of 0.5 mm, the key 12a for cylindrical feet can be used
for a maximum of 3 levels of code level differences, while key 12b and
the lock having tapered foot of the side pins can be used for a code
level difference of a maximum of 4 levels. Thus, a key adapted for side
pins having tapered foot comprising a side groove with a non-rectangular
cross section and an inclined surface provides a safer key by means of
providing a greater code variation and a greater number of available code
levels.

[0030]FIG. 4A illustrates a cross section of an embodiment of a cylinder
lock in accordance with the invention. The cross section extends through
the cylinder housing 2, the cylinder core 4, side bar 6, a side pin 20
and the key 8. The figure also illustrates the compartment 13 for the
side pin 20 in the cylinder core 4. The side pin 20 is essentially
cylindrical and provided with a conically tapered foot 27. The FIG. 4A
shows that the side pin can be mounted lower due to the tapering of the
foot 26 and the height extension of the key can also be better utilized.
FIG. 4A also illustrates how the side bar 6 is positioned in a recess 15
in the cylinder housing 2, which recess 15 is formed having angled
surfaces and adapted to cooperate with the corresponding outer middle
portion of the side bar 6 to push the side bar 6 from the cylinder
housing 2 when the cylinder core 4 is turned around.

[0031]FIG. 4B is an illustration for comparing a side pin 21 having a
cylindrical foot where the side pin is positioned at the same low level
as the side pin 20 of FIG. 4A. The side pin 21, having a cylindrical
foot, does not, in this low position, have room in the cylinder core,
instead it extends out of the core and into the cylinder housing.

[0032]FIG. 5 illustrates the profile of the key 8 more clearly, having a
code groove 10 arranged on each side surface. The code groove 10
comprises an inclined surface 11 closest to the lower edge of the key,
which side leans 45 degrees in relation to the height extension of the
key. The code groove comprises two sides that extend from the side
surface 12 of the key to the bottom of the groove, a first side that has
an angle of approximately 45 degrees in relation to the side surface and
the other side that is essentially perpendicular to the side surface.

[0033] By forming the side pins provided with conically downward directed
ends, the height of the key can be more efficiently used and by adapting
the groove 10 of the key in accordance with these the height variation of
the code groove can be made greater. In this way a combination of a
cylinder lock and key with cylindrically shaped foot on each side pin and
whose dimensions previously made six code levels possible and a maximum
variation of four code levels between two consecutive side pins is
enhanced so that such a combination can provide seven code levels and a
variation of five code levels between two consecutive side pins.